The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

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{{Collection citation| text = Massachusetts County and Town Clerks. County and Town Records, 1653-1972. Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston, Massachusetts.}}

[[Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Towns Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Citation_Example_for_a_Record_Found_in_This_Collection|Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.]]

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<br> [[Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Towns Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Citation_Example_for_a_Record_Found_in_This_Collection|Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.]]

Record Description

The collection consists of Vital and town records acquired from local town clerk offices. It covers the years 1579 to 2001.

For a list of records by localities, document type and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse.

Citation for This Collection

The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

How to Use the Record

The name of the individual or individuals such as the names of the bride and groom

Search the Collection

To search the collection you will need to follow this series of links:⇒Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page⇒Select the county⇒Select the town⇒Select the "Record Type, Date and Volume" which takes you to the images

If the town has an index, start with the index. It generally contains information that will help you find your ancestor more quickly.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

Using the Information

When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. For example:

Use the marriage date and place as the basis for compiling a new family group or for verifying existing information.

Use the birth date or age along with the place of birth of each partner to find a couple's birth records and parents' names.

Use the birth date or age along with the place of birth to find the family in census records.

Use the residence and names of the parents to locate church and land records.

Use the parents' birth places to find former residences and to establish a migration pattern for the family.

Tips to Keep in Mind

Occupations listed can lead you to other types of records such as employment or military records.

The name of the officiator may be a clue to their religion or area of residence in the county.

The name of the undertaker, mortuary, or cemetery could lead you to funeral and cemetery records, which often include the names and residences of other family members.

Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname. This is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.

Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been born, married, or died in the same county or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family or even the second marriage of a parent. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify.

When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

The information in the records is usually reliable, but depends upon the reliability of the informant.

Earlier records may not contain as much information as more recent records.

There is also some variation in the information given from one record to another record.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

Check for variant spellings of the surnames.

Check for an index. There are often indexes created by local genealogical and historical societies.

Related Websites

Related Wiki Articles

Contributions to This Article

We welcome user additions to FamilySearch Historical Records wiki articles. We are looking for additional information that will help readers understand the topic and better use the available records. We also need translations for collection titles and images in articles about records written in languages other than English. For specific needs, please visit WikiProject FamilySearch Records.

Please follow these guidelines as you make changes. Thank you for any contributions you may provide.

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections

When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.